ABC Says There is No Such Thing as Free Speech in Australia

[Rev.Cambeul]

The Taxpayer funded Australian ABC - Your ABC says there is no such thing as Free Speech in Australia ... but any speech the ABC disagrees with is Hate-Speech

The ABC declares there is 'NO such thing as free speech in Australia' as it defends censoring comments left on a story about a transgender swimmer

* ABC Facebook page posts article about a transgender swimmer Cassy Judy
* Page moderator bans users and hides comments because of 'hate speech'
* Moderator also states 'FYI there is no such thing as free speech in Australia'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9404935/No-thing-free-speech-ABC-defends-censoring-feedback-transgender-swimmer-story.html

The moderator challenged people to make a formal complaint - providing a link - 'If you're 'upset' about your harmful comments being removed and 'your taxpayer dollars'.'

The comments left in the discussion were heated, but appeared to be evenly balanced - some supportive of Ms Judy's statements and view, and some opposed.

Free speech in public forums is complex and depends on the context, however the Australian Human Rights Commission states: 'The Australian Constitution does not explicitly protect freedom of expression.'

Freedom of expression in media is generally accepted, but in a major international statement, is understood to be balanced by responsibility to show 'respect of the rights or reputations of others.'

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to the ABC and to the author of the original article, Monique Schafter, for comment.